Lobster is one of those food that is considered “fancy eating” by many people, and the prices sure bear that out! But it has not always been that way. In the 18th century, lobsters were so plentiful along the Massachusetts coast that they would wash ashore in large piles. They were called “cockroach of the sea” and were considered the “poor man’s chicken.” Looked down on as low class food, lobsters were mainly used as fertilizer, bait, or fed to prisoners and indentured servants. In fact, there’s a story about prisoners rioting over being fed too lobster too often. It’s a nice story, but almost surely yet another myth (see here).
As the American rail transportation system expanded, rail companies realized they could serve lobster to passengers who were unaware of it’s lowly status. It was presented as a decadent luxury item, and creative chefs created new dishes to highlight lobster’s virtues. People liked it and began requesting lobster even away from the dining car.
This shift in perception transformed lobster from a lowly food to a luxurious delicacy. It’s amazing how perspectives can change when economic opportunities arise!
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